ESP32 - LCD 20x4

In this ESP32 LCD 20x4 I2C tutorial, we will learn how to connect an LCD 20x4 (Liquid Crystal Display) to the ESP32 board via I2C Interface.

This tutorial shows how to program the ESP32 using the Arduino language (C/C++) via the Arduino IDE. If you’d like to learn how to program the ESP32 with MicroPython, visit this ESP32 MicroPython - LCD 20x4 tutorial.

Hardware Used In This Tutorial

1	×	ESP-WROOM-32 Dev Module
1	×	USB Cable Type-A to Type-C (for USB-A PC)
1	×	USB Cable Type-C to Type-C (for USB-C PC)
1	×	LCD 20x4
1	×	Jumper Wires
1	×	Recommended: Screw Terminal Expansion Board for ESP32
1	×	Recommended: Power Splitter for ESP32

Or you can buy the following kits:

1	×	DIYables ESP32 Starter Kit (ESP32 included)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (30 sensors/displays)
1	×	DIYables Sensor Kit (18 sensors/displays)

Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are Amazon affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Additionally, some links direct you to products from our own brand, DIYables .

Introduction to LCD I2C 20x4

Pinout

LCD 20x4 I2C uses I2C interface, so it has 4 pins:

GND pin: needs to be connected to GND (0V).
VCC pin: the power supply for the LCD, needs to be connected to VCC (5V).
SDA pin: I2C data signal
SCL pin: I2C clock signal

LCD Coordinate

LCD I2C 20x4 includes 20 columns and 4 rows. the conlums and rows are indexed from 0.

Wiring Diagram

How to connect ESP32 and lcd 20x4 using breadboard (powered via USB cable)

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

How to connect ESP32 and lcd 20x4 using breadboard (powered via Vin pin)

This image is created using Fritzing. Click to enlarge image

How to connect ESP32 and lcd 20x4 using screw terminal block breakout board (powered via USB cable)

How to connect ESP32 and lcd 20x4 using screw terminal block breakout board (powered via Vin pin)

LCD I2C	ESP32
VCC	Vin 5V
GND	GND
SDA	GPIO21 (SDA)
SCL	GPIO22 (SCL)

If you're unfamiliar with how to supply power to the ESP32 and other components, you can find guidance in the following tutorial: The best way to Power ESP32 and sensors/displays.

How To Program For LCD I2C

Thanks to the LiquidCrystal_I2C library, the using LCD is a piece of cake.

Include the library:

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h> // Library for LCD

Declare a LiquidCrystal_I2C object with I2C address, the number of columns, the number of rows:

LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 20, 4); // I2C address 0x27, 20 column and 4 rows

Initialize the LCD.

lcd.init(); //initialize the lcd lcd.backlight(); //open the backlight

Move cursor to the desired position (column_index, row_index)

lcd.setCursor(column_index, row_index);

Print a message to the LCD.

lcd.print("Hello World!");

※ NOTE THAT:

The I2C address of LCD can vary according to the manufacturers. In the code, we used 0x27 that is specified by DIYables manufacturer

ESP32 Code

/* * This ESP32 code is created by esp32io.com * * This ESP32 code is released in the public domain * * For more detail (instruction and wiring diagram), visit https://esp32io.com/tutorials/esp32-lcd-20x4 */ #include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h> LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 20, 4); // I2C address 0x27, 20 column and 4 rows void setup() { lcd.init(); // initialize the lcd lcd.backlight(); lcd.setCursor(0, 0); // move cursor the first row lcd.print("LCD 20x4"); // print message at the first row lcd.setCursor(0, 1); // move cursor to the second row lcd.print("I2C Address: 0x27"); // print message at the second row lcd.setCursor(0, 2); // move cursor to the third row lcd.print("DIYables"); // print message at the third row lcd.setCursor(0, 3); // move cursor to the fourth row lcd.print("www.diyables.io"); // print message the fourth row } void loop() { }

Quick Instructions

If this is the first time you use ESP32, see how to setup environment for ESP32 on Arduino IDE.
Do the wiring as above image.
Connect the ESP32 board to your PC via a micro USB cable
Open Arduino IDE on your PC.
Select the right ESP32 board (e.g. ESP32 Dev Module) and COM port.
Click to the Libraries icon on the left bar of the Arduino IDE.
Search "LiquidCrystal I2C", then find the LiquidCrystal_I2C library by Frank de Brabander
Click Install button to install LiquidCrystal_I2C library.

Copy the above code and open with Arduino IDE
Click Upload button on Arduino IDE to upload code to ESP32
See the result on LCD

Try modifying text and position

Guide for Choosing LCD I2C Displays

There are different types of LCD I2C displays you can buy, mainly varying in background color and how you select the I2C address.

For background colors: Usually, you can choose between green and blue.

For I2C address selection:

With a jumper: This option lets you switch between two I2C addresses. This is helpful if you want to use two LCDs at the same time in your code. However, if you are using only one LCD, it can give you a little trouble with the I2C addresses, and it takes up more space.
Without a jumper: This setup has a fixed I2C address. It is very convenient when your project uses only one LCD display. Since most projects use just one LCD, this type is highly recommended.

Do More with LCD

Custom Character

If you want to display special characters or symbols (e.g. emoticon), see how to display the special characters on LCD.

Troubleshooting on LCD I2C

If LCD does not display anything, please see LCD does not work!- Checklist

Learn More

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